Linux Mint and Ubuntu are undoubtedly, the most popular and hottest Linux distributions on the market right now. Linux Mint and Ubuntu are closely related and have many similarities, but their philosophies have changed over time.
As both of the Linux distros are putting out new updates, it is essential to understand the differences while choosing between the two.
Key Takeaways
- Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and Debian but features a more traditional desktop interface.
- Linux Mint is perceived as more user-friendly for beginners, while Ubuntu is considered more advanced.
- Linux Mint comes with various proprietary software pre-installed, while Ubuntu mainly uses open-source software.
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu
Linux Mint is a Linux distribution based on Linux Ubuntu that provides a more user-friendly interface along with additional pre-installed software. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian, composed mostly of free and open-source software. It is considered more stable and secure.
Linux Mint is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. Linux Mint was initially released on 27 August 2006. It is a community-driven program that provides users with a lot of free and open-source applications. Clément Lefèbvre created the Linux Mint project and continues to be a part of the Linux team.
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is made up of free and open-source software. It is based on the Debian Linux distribution and is developed by Canonical, which is another community of developers.
It is an operating system used primarily for cloud computing and supports OpenStack. Ubuntu releases new versions frequently when compared to Linux Mint.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Linux Mint | Ubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| User interface | MATE and Cinnamon can be chosen between for their desktop. Cinnamon UI is similar to the traditional Microsoft UI. | Unity is Ubuntu’s default desktop which uses a GNOME UI. The GNOME user interface resembles Apple’s macOS. |
| Performance | Linux Mint clearly provides the users a flawless performance and is faster than Ubuntu. Linux Mint provides better performance even with older hardware. | Ubuntu serves the users a decent performance in updated hardware. But in slightly older hardware, Ubuntu’s performance slows down. |
| Pre-installed software | Even as an open-source, Linux Mint comes with a few pre-installed proprietary software like Java, Flash, and VLC. | Ubuntu does not come with pre-installed software except for a few but allows the users to download them with a click. LibreOffice and Firefox are some pre-installed software from Ubuntu. |
| OS customization | Linux Mint allows the users to customize the OS according to their will. Mint has several simple settings for the users to modify. | Ubuntu limits the users from customizing the OS. There are fewer setting options to customize. |
| Support | Linux Mint provides the users with the support it can provide. The community behind Linux Mint ensures the necessary support is provided to a Mint user. | Ubuntu does provide the users with enough support and help too. The company Canonical assists in developing Ubuntu to support its users. |
What is Linux Mint?
The Linux Mint project was invented by Clément Lefèbvre in 2006. Linux Mint is a completely community-run Linux distribution. It is based on Ubuntu and is open-sourced.
It allows users to use open-source applications free of cost. Linux Mint continues to be supported completely by the Linux Mint community. The community behind Linux Mint is constantly working to support the users and improve the operating system.
Mint provides users with updates every six months. The users can send constructive feedback to the community and can improve the OS.
Linux Mint’s purpose is to create an elegant and comfortable OS that is power-efficient and simple. It believes in providing open access to all. Operating systems should be free of cost and lets users run applications for free.
Users should be allowed to run, copy, download, study and improve the OS. They should be empowered to use the software in their own languages regardless of their disabilities.
Mint’s latest release was Linux Mint 20.0, named “Uma”. An interesting fact of Linux Mint’s upgrades is that the new editions are named after Female names, ending with a.
There are 3 variants of Mint, Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. Mint comes along with a few proprietary software like Flash and Java.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is also a Linux distribution created in 2004. It is based on Debian, another Linux distribution. Ubuntu was developed by the company “Canonical”, which is led by Mark Shuttleworth. Ubuntu and Debian are unique in a sense but are closely related to each other.
Ubuntu complements Debian in the areas of Package releases, the development community, and much more. Canonical is full of a team that is engaged in improving the Ubuntu OS. But Ubuntu is not a totally community-driven software, unlike Linux Mint.
The term “Ubuntu” is named after the philosophy of Ubuntu by Nguni. The African philosophy of Nguni uses the word “Ubuntu” to denote “humanity to others”. It also has a connotation of “I am what I am because of who we all are”.
In 2005, Canonical announced initial funding of $ 10 million for the development of Ubuntu. The team at Canonical, the foundation, is mainly to support Ubuntu users and the development of the next versions of the Ubuntu project.
After the installation Of Ubuntu, the users are presented with a limited amount of software. It lets the users decide to install other proprietary software.
Ubuntu’s user interface is similar to the macOS and is very popular among the public. But, Ubuntu’s performance has been criticized by its users.
Main Differences Between Linux Mint and Ubuntu
- Linux Mint is a project which is totally supported by its own Linux Mint community. The community is not motivated by profits and works to improve the Mint project. But Ubuntu is taken care of by the company Canonical. Although Canonical is similar to the Mint community, it is a commercial company motivated by profits, along with improving the Ubuntu project.
- Linux Mint’s performance stands out of the two. Mint provides users with an easy and fast experience. The community ensures to maintain fast performance with its constant updates. Ubuntu provides a decent user experience. But the latter tends to lag and perform slowly in old or outdated hardware.
- One of the user interfaces of Linux Mint is Cinnamon, which is very similar to the Windows UI. This allows most of the users to navigate easily without any trouble. Ubuntu’s GNOME UI stands out for its macOS-like user interface.
- Linux Mint provides a lot of official spins of their OS. They provide different flavours and colourful features which are preferred by the people. Ubuntu comparatively provides lesser features.
- Mint’s customisation settings of their OS are advanced and let the users customise according to their wishes. Ubuntu restricts the customisation of their OS and allows the users very few options.
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-1392-6_8
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-1-4302-3627-6
Last Updated : 18 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The correlation between Ubuntu and Debian was an intriguing point, adding more depth to the discussion.
It’s fascinating to learn about the closely related origins and evolution of Ubuntu and Debian.
The emphasis on open-source values and free access to software is a cornerstone of both Linux Mint and Ubuntu.
The commitment to these principles is what makes these distributions stand out.
It’s important to understand the values that drive the development and maintenance of these OSs.
Thanks for the detailed comparison between Linux Mint and Ubuntu, very helpful in making a decision!
I agree, I appreciate the thorough analysis of the two Linux distributions.
I’ve been using Ubuntu for a while now, but this has piqued my interest in Linux Mint, especially with its user-friendly interface.
The information on OS customization and performance comparisons was enlightening.
I appreciate the in-depth analysis of the pre-installed software and support differences.
The insight into the purpose and development of Linux Mint and Ubuntu showcases their underlying philosophies.
Understanding the origins and principles of these distributions sheds light on their respective strengths.
The history and foundational principles behind Linux Mint and Ubuntu are fascinating to explore.
The detailed comparison table offers a clear understanding of what sets Linux Mint and Ubuntu apart.
It’s great to have such comprehensive information before deciding which Linux distribution to use.
The discussion of the different variants and proprietary software in Mint is very informative.
The commitment to providing software for free and user empowerment is notable.
I didn’t know about the naming conventions for Mint’s new editions, that’s an interesting tidbit.
Great to see a comprehensive comparison that delves into the technical and philosophical aspects of Linux distributions.
This article provides a holistic view that goes beyond just technical features.
I didn’t realize the scope of the Linux Mint project and the commitment to providing open access and support.
The dedication to creating a user-friendly, open-source OS is truly commendable.
It’s refreshing to see a community-driven approach and frequent updates to enhance the user experience.